2010 bmw 3-series Reviews and News

Drive a BMW 335d, as I just did for a week, and you don't attract a second glance. Aside from one changed letter in the badge on the trunk, there is nothing to distinguish the BMW 3 Series diesel from the multitudes of 3 Series BMWs on the road. But while the 335d does not make a visual statement, it does say a lot about its driver. It says, "I want excellent fuel economy, and I don't want to sacrifice performance to get it." In the 335d, perhaps more so than any other car on the road, you get both.

The 3 Series has received the adulation of car magazines since time immemorial, and with good reason. It displays an athleticism that has seduced one test driver after another. And the diesel is no different - steering, brakes, suspension, all the BMW good stuff is here. So, too is the optional sport suspension with its eighteen-inch wheels and high-performance tires (although the standard set-up makes for a bit less busy ride and at least merits a try before you buy).

True, there are some things missing with the diesel. A choice of body style is one. The 335d comes only as a sedan. One option that's not available is active steering, but why would you want it? All-wheel drive isn't offered here either, although if you're out for maximum fuel economy, you'd pass it up anyway. You also can't get a manual transmission, which is a shame, because BMW's stick shifts are among the best in the business.

That said, the 3.0-liter turbodiesel makes so much torque (425 pound-feet), so low in the rev range (at only 1750 rpm), that the automatic transmission is a perfectly suited partner. It's not like you have to keep the revs up to get the most out of this engine. Although unlike some diesels, the BMW six continues to pull impressively all the way up the rev range. What's also unusual is that this diesel actually sounds good when you cane it - even if it is a bit gravelly at idle.

The factory-measured 0-to-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds is just a fraction behind that of the 335i turbo six (5.6 seconds). Pulling quickly out into traffic frequently results in such thrust that the traction control has to intervene. Where the diesel really shines, though, is in passing maneuvers, blasting from 40 to 90 mph in what seems like no time flat.

If there's really no downside to the diesel driving experience, there certainly is an upside when you go to refuel. That is: You won't have to do it very often. The 335d's EPA rating of 23 mpg city spanks the 335i's 17 mpg rating, and the diesel's highway figure of 36 mpg beats the gasoline-powered car by an even more impressive 10 mpg. The range on a full tank can easily exceed 500 miles.

The price you pay for this blend of performance and parsimony is $3600. At least that's difference in the base sticker price of the 335d versus the 335i sedan. But it's actually a lot less. The 335i does not come with an automatic transmission, so add that and the gap narrows by $1325. Then there's the federal government, which wants to throw $900 at you (in the form a tax credit) for treating yourself to a new BMW diesel. So the actual extra outlay is more like $1375. But with the diesel likely to enjoy better resale value, the diesel premium probably is even less.

The 335d is the eco-friendly machine that doesn't just bolster your environmentalist cred, it flatters your intellect as well. Or it would, if other people could tell you're driving one. That little "d" on the trunk lid, though, is pretty hard to spot.

Complaints about fuel pump failures on BMW models equipped with the N54 twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter I-6 have been the subject of Internet debate and media scrutiny for quite some time. BMW has now officially issued a voluntary recall, designed to rectify the situation in roughly 130,000 cars.

This is about as close to driving nirvana as semi-affordable cars venture. The powertrain, chassis, and operator interfaces are honed to near perfection. The 2+2 accommodations are functionally useful, the trunk is amply sized and well proportioned. Searching diligently, I did find a trivial flaw: the left-front floor mat that had torn free of its attachments to foul the clutch pedal at the bottom of its travel. As a service to my fellow critics, I repaired that fault with an expeditious driveway correction. Nevertheless, as much as I respect this and most other BMWs, I'd give serious thought to Cadillac's new CTS coupe before I spent $40,000 for a 335i.

It's refreshing to drive a BMW that isn't bogged down with options. Why? It's an opportunity to appreciate that a well-engineered car can stick like tar and corner confidently without an active suspension or performance-aiding differential. With a rigid chassis, a smart suspension setup, and a smooth engine, there's no need for comfort or sport modes or more aggressive throttle maps or cross-linked dampers. A beautifully built car like this 335i will perform admirably on any road, at any speed, for whatever mood you're in. BMW knows how to build this type of car very well, but it's also easy to imagine a near future where electrically controlled dampers and similar equipment trickle down into the likes of the 1- and 3-series. Let's hope that such technology doesn't distract engineers from focusing on the fundamentals.

I'm hard pressed to find any flaws with this 335i. Even though it's not the new single-turbo N55 engine, there is nothing wrong with the twin-turbo six-cylinder propelling this BMW. The car is splendid; it has ample power, a silky smooth six-speed manual transmission, and a chassis that is sublime on curvy roads, although damping is too harsh over rough pavement.

BMW has done a great job of developing a forced-induction six-cylinder that isn't peaky, doesn't suffer from turbo lag, and is all too happy to rev and provides gobs of power at a moment's notice. Couple that with an impeccable manual transmission and the exemplary chassis dynamics that have become synonymous with the 3-series, and you do have one outstanding car.

The turbo whine is indeed very faint, but at full throttle, it sounds almost exactly like the wail of a closing police siren. Of course, that could just be my paranoia at work, since so much of my time in the 3-series is spent above the speed limit. As others have noted here and in every other 3-series article, the car is damn near perfect. My only complaint has to do with something German engineers are likely not very attentive to: short people. When I scoot all the way up in the coupe to reach the clutch pedal, I find my forehead uncomfortably close to the windshield. This isn't an uncommon problem in manual transmission coupes, I've found, but most of them have other faults I can focus on.

While I wasn’t particularly enamored of the BMW X6 hybrid I drove last week, I didn’t exactly hate it either. So when a 335i coupe arrived to take its place, I was surprised at the visceral sense of relief that washed over me the minute I plopped down in its driver’s seat. “Now that’s more like it,” I said out loud, alone in my driveway.

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Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:20

Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

Summary

This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.

Consequences

This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.

Remedy

Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.

Potential Units Affected

585

Notes

Valeo

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

Consequences

If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Potential Units Affected

516,791

Notes

BMW of North America, LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BATTERY:CABLES

Summary

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

Consequences

If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Potential Units Affected

516,791

Notes

BMW of North America, LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Summary

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

Consequences

If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.